Parallel Motor and Reduction Mechanism for Movable Barrier Operator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Movable barrier operators with in-line helical reduction mechanisms face installation challenges due to their length and require inconvenient chain placement, which obstructs the movable barrier opening.

Innovation Solution

A motor and reduction mechanism are disposed parallel and lateral to each other, with a hand-operated chain hoist connected to the output drive shaft, allowing for a shorter form factor and convenient chain placement alongside the movable barrier.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If an in-line helical reduction mechanism is used, then the rotational torque is increased, but the operator length becomes excessive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational torqueVSAvoidoperator length

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a linear in-line arrangement to a parallel lateral configuration where the motor and reduction mechanism are positioned side-by-side rather than end-to-end. This dimensional change in spatial arrangement reduces the operator length while maintaining the torque multiplication function of the helical reduction mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If the chain is positioned at a lateral distance from the drive mechanism, then the reduction mechanism can function, but the chain obstructs the movable barrier opening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereduction mechanism functionVSAvoidmovable barrier opening clearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the chain hoist function from the traditional in-line configuration and positions it laterally adjacent to the motor shaft. This separation allows the chain to be accessed from the side rather than requiring it to pass through the barrier opening, eliminating the obstruction problem while preserving the manual operation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS8893435B2Method and apparatus for a movable barrier operator having a motor and a reduction mechanism disposed parallel to and laterally thereof

Publication Date: 2014.11.25 CHAMBERLAIN AUSTRALIA

AI summary

A movable barrier operator (200) comprises a motor (201) having an output drive shaft that itself comprises a first end (202) and a second end (203) that is disposed opposite to the first end. The movable barrier operator also comprises a hand-operated chain hoist (204) that is connected to the second end of this output drive shaft. By one approach, the movable barrier operator also comprises a reduction mechanism (207) and a transmission (210). The reduction mechanism is disposed parallel to and laterally of the motor and comprises a movable barrier drive output (208) and an input drive shaft (209). The transmission, in turn, is disposed to couple the first end of the output drive shaft of the motor to the input drive shaft of the reduction mechanism.